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Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia in a dog with thyroid carcinoma
1Perth Veterinary Oncology, 305 Selby Street North, Osborne Park, Washington, 6017 USA. amy@pvo.com.au
Summary
This case report details a dog with thyroid carcinoma and paraneoplastic hypercalcemia. Post-surgery, the dog experienced persistent hypocalcemia, ultimately succumbing to renal failure.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Thyroid carcinoma is a significant endocrine malignancy in dogs.
- Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia can complicate thyroid carcinoma, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- A canine patient presented with confirmed thyroid carcinoma and concurrent paraneoplastic hypercalcemia.
- Following surgical thyroidectomy, the dog developed severe hypocalcemia requiring lifelong calcitriol and calcium carbonate supplementation.
Findings:
- The hypocalcemia proved refractory to dose adjustments, persisting for two years post-thyroidectomy.
- Despite management of calcium levels, the dog ultimately died from renal failure.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complex and potentially prolonged metabolic disturbances following thyroidectomy for carcinoma.
- It underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and management of calcium homeostasis in dogs with a history of thyroid cancer.
- Renal failure may be a long-term complication in dogs with persistent or poorly managed paraneoplastic syndromes or their sequelae.
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